For the benefit of those who have followed Russ's comments on this Forum, I have decided to provide some examples to illustrate my understanding of his ideas.Herewith are some pairs of images, using a few of my own photographs to clarify Russ's Fundamental Principle (hereafter referred to as "the RFP").

EXAMPLE 1A is a straightforward B&W image of a wave splashing on a sandy beach (on Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts). While naive viewers may find the various forms of white froth on gray sand interesting, it clearly lacks the essential element embodied in the RFP, namely, The Hand of Man.

EXAMPLE 1B shows the landscape of EXAMPLE 1A with the all-important addition of the Hand of Man, which clearly adds power and focus to the previously uninspiring image.

EXAMPLE 2A shows a tide pool on a different Massachusetts beach (Plum Island).

Now some viewers may feel that the Hand of Man in these two examples is too dominating, even, perhaps, intrusive. Thus, for my third illustration I will show an image in which The Hand of Man is indeed very subtle.

EXAMPLE 3 shows the Vermilion Lake near the vilage of Banff in the Canadian Rockies. Where is the Hand of Man, you ask? A major highway directly behind the photographer, combined with a smaller local road, both constructed presumably by either the Hand of Man or the Hand of Woman, permitted the photographer to get his equipment to this particular spot to take the image.

I just saw this and I am still laughing. I usually stay out of these debates but I have to chime in this time. The hand of man is of course present regardless of the subject, precisely because it was taken by man. Like good sex scenes in movies, we respond to what is implied or suggested rather than what is in your face. Eric, you really should take the wave from sports events and add it to your skies. A single hand just won't do.

Here is one more pair of examples that I neglected to post earlier.In Example 4A there is evidence of the Hand of Man in the form of the stone wall and the curbstone. However, they take a back seat to the ivy that is sprawling over the wall.

To improve this image, in Example 4B I added one additional Human Artifact in front of the ivy so as to give proper prominence to the works of the Hand of Man.

I might add that, following the emphatic advice of Theodoros on various other threads here on LuLa I was careful to previsualize both Examples 4A and 4B before shooting the image. I understand that that fact alone gives them artistic merit.

Here is one more pair of examples that I neglected to post earlier.In Example 4A there is evidence of the Hand of Man in the form of the stone wall and the curbstone. However, they take a back seat to the ivy that is sprawling over the wall.

Actually, Eric, the bricklaying in the wall (not stonelaying) is excellent, and the ivy is dandy (though liquor is quicker), but the brick wall takes center stage, though the hand of man and the ivy (hopefully not poison) combine to make something worthwhile. Now, give me a picture of the ivy by itself and we'll see whether or not I'm right.

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I might add that, following the emphatic advice of Theodoros on various other threads here on LuLa I was careful to previsualize both Examples 4A and 4B before shooting the image. I understand that that fact alone gives them artistic merit.

So far I've stayed away from that argument, but anybody who actually thinks he can previsualize a photograph probably also believes he can levitate his Buick.